Jeff Owens wrote: > Because Tina has erected a minor soap box I'll jump up and offer a comment. > Shove over and make room for one more! > Construction of genealogy research sites should stick with the main > function of presenting information in simple format. AMEN! Last week, I hit 15 or 20 different GenWeb sites. A tiny few of them weren't cluttered and put the links where you could find 'em. One in particular had NOTHING on the index.htm page except the GenWeb logo, the state logo, the page name, a large American Flag, and about a dozen logos for various graphics authors or causes. Eventually I figured out that clicking on the flag brought up the real index, which had a nasty mattress-ticking sort of background. The ability to do something is no mandate (or excuse) for doing it. As I seem to remember telling my pre-teen son when he and his friends made themselves sick seeing whether they COULD each drink 2 6-packs of root-beer at an over-nighter. > Remember to K.I.S.S. > > Jeff Owens > > k.i.s.s. = keep it simple, silly I used to hear that as: Keep it Short and Simple. Cheryl -- There should be no attachments on this message, unless I specifically mentioned them above.

> Too many seem to be playing around with all the capabilities that come > down the pipe in an endless stream of complication. Do genealogy sites > really need all kinds of background images, cutsy graphics, automatic > audio presentations, complex color schemes, complex frame schemes, > cascading style sheets, and etc. The purpose of 90% of genealogical > sites is to present easily searchable, textual information (with the > exception of those presenting historical photographs and images) so why > not stick with those simpler methods of displaying such info? Using all > of the finer developments in web authoring are best suited to marketing > purpose sites, and really do little to make genealogical research any > more productive. Yes, but... It's certainly true that pushing the envelope with all the features in the latest versions of the major browsers or doing something particularly fancy with Javascript or Flash will cause some difficulties for those with less well-endowed computers. On the other hand, the purpose of CSS (style sheets) *is* to make things simpler. Don't blame the tool for what the tool user does with it. When used appropriately with pages which are carefully structured (which may require becoming more personally involved with the code than some people are used to) you will have a site with pages which load faster and are easier to maintain. They will also be more accessible and easier for Google and other search engines to index. There's a reason they call Google the world's most influential blind user - when it crawls your site, it sees it much as a blind user using a screen reader does. In short, whatever methods you use should be tested in a text browser. Lynx may be found at <http://www.fdisk.com/doslynx/lynxport.htm>. If that gives you some difficulty, Opera will let you shift into text mode for testing purposes. -- Bob Sullivan Schenectady Digital History Archive <http://www.schenectadyhistory.org/> Schenectady County (NY) Public Library

At 09:20 AM 5/27/2008, you wrote: >I know that I have some features on my web site that are outdated. I have >been working over this holiday trying to update as much as I can. It would >be very helpful if I could get some comments and recommendations. > >My logo may be old, if so, where do I get the latest version. I am sorry >that I have been so out of touch but I do work a full time job at almost 66 >years old. Once I retire, I may be able to devote more time. You should be able to get the latest banners for North Carolina from here http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ncgenweb/ Looks pretty good to me in Firefox and IE7 Is easy to read and you have consistent navigation throughout the site. Doesn't validate but if interested you can fix it later. pat Pat Geary Microsoft MVP - FrontPage http://www.genealogy-web-creations.com/ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gearyfamily/expression-web/ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gearyfamily/frontpage/ http://www.genealogy-computer-tips.com/

I know that I have some features on my web site that are outdated. I have been working over this holiday trying to update as much as I can. It would be very helpful if I could get some comments and recommendations. My logo may be old, if so, where do I get the latest version. I am sorry that I have been so out of touch but I do work a full time job at almost 66 years old. Once I retire, I may be able to devote more time. The site is located at: http://www.iredell.com/ -- Thomas Winslow The Catawba Trader 2843 Devonshire Rd Newton, NC 28658-9799 (800) 589-4619 voice (800) 868-0394 fax

I could not get the Cemeteries for NC webpage to appear in IE7 - said 404 error. I agree with Pat, with to navigate and read. Linda -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Patricia Geary Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 8:37 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ROOTSWEB-HELP] Need advice on bringing Web Site up to par At 09:20 AM 5/27/2008, you wrote: >I know that I have some features on my web site that are outdated. I have >been working over this holiday trying to update as much as I can. It would >be very helpful if I could get some comments and recommendations. > >My logo may be old, if so, where do I get the latest version. I am sorry >that I have been so out of touch but I do work a full time job at almost 66 >years old. Once I retire, I may be able to devote more time. You should be able to get the latest banners for North Carolina from here http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ncgenweb/ Looks pretty good to me in Firefox and IE7 Is easy to read and you have consistent navigation throughout the site. Doesn't validate but if interested you can fix it later. pat Pat Geary Microsoft MVP - FrontPage http://www.genealogy-web-creations.com/ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gearyfamily/expression-web/ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gearyfamily/frontpage/ http://www.genealogy-computer-tips.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I agree with you Jeff. After 13-14 years of 'internet genealogy' it is aggravating to find a site that is loaded down with 'cutsies'...the simple sites are much, much better. I also have a bee in my bonnett about sites that don't have a search engine...sheesh. Joyce Gaston Reece ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeff Owens" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 7:50 AM Subject: [ROOTSWEB-HELP] Genealogy site construction- was UnblockAncestry.com > Because Tina has erected a minor soap box I'll jump up and offer a > comment. > > Construction of genealogy research sites should stick with the main > function of presenting information in simple format. > > Too many seem to be playing around with all the capabilities that come > down the pipe in an endless stream of complication. Do genealogy sites > really need all kinds of background images, cutsy graphics, automatic > audio presentations, complex color schemes, complex frame schemes, > cascading style sheets, and etc. The purpose of 90% of genealogical > sites is to present easily searchable, textual information (with the > exception of those presenting historical photographs and images) so why > not stick with those simpler methods of displaying such info? Using all > of the finer developments in web authoring are best suited to marketing > purpose sites, and really do little to make genealogical research any > more productive. > > One can do well to remember that the demographic of genealogical surfers > is likely not among the most techocurrent persons with all the latest > whistles and bells in either software or hardware, and possibly less > than geeky on the user capability aspect also. > > Remember to K.I.S.S. > > Jeff Owens > > k.i.s.s. = keep it simple, silly > > TinaClarke wrote: >>> I need a script that will notify folks that they need to unblock >>> javascript for RootsWeb, Ancestry, or both to view our announcements. >>> However, the only one I have is a javascript and probably blocked. I've >>> tried several, but they are either annoying or in the way. A simple >>> message at the top of the page is often missed by the visitor. Any >>> suggestions? >>> >>> >>> Shari >>> >>> >> You mean announcments from you as a user of rootsweb and ancestry? >> >> You are severely limiting yourself and besides which even if people saw >> your >> announcement to let through scripts for your announcments most of them >> would >> not turn scripts on if they usually surf with them off.... >> >> That sort of sounds a little silly wouldn't you agree? >> >> Your also limiting anyone disabled or blind that cannot use them... >> >> Look give your readers a break and just produce a simple text which will >> probably get you more readers through search engines as they can't see >> your >> javascript either.... think about having a ezine which you send out to >> members that are interested enough to sign up for ... yahoo groups do >> free >> ones and are very easy to use. That way you know your announcements are >> going to a targted audience too. >> >> If i have the wrong end of the stick sorry ... but scripts should only be >> used when 100% of your audience can actually use them. That applies 1000% >> to >> navigation if scripts are used for navigation there should always be text >> links on a page or they should degrade gracefully. >> >> ok I shall go back to my corner now.... >> >> Tina >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without >> the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> >> >> >> > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 269.24.1/1468 - Release Date: 5/26/2008 3:23 PM

Because Tina has erected a minor soap box I'll jump up and offer a comment. Construction of genealogy research sites should stick with the main function of presenting information in simple format. Too many seem to be playing around with all the capabilities that come down the pipe in an endless stream of complication. Do genealogy sites really need all kinds of background images, cutsy graphics, automatic audio presentations, complex color schemes, complex frame schemes, cascading style sheets, and etc. The purpose of 90% of genealogical sites is to present easily searchable, textual information (with the exception of those presenting historical photographs and images) so why not stick with those simpler methods of displaying such info? Using all of the finer developments in web authoring are best suited to marketing purpose sites, and really do little to make genealogical research any more productive. One can do well to remember that the demographic of genealogical surfers is likely not among the most techocurrent persons with all the latest whistles and bells in either software or hardware, and possibly less than geeky on the user capability aspect also. Remember to K.I.S.S. Jeff Owens k.i.s.s. = keep it simple, silly TinaClarke wrote: >> I need a script that will notify folks that they need to unblock >> javascript for RootsWeb, Ancestry, or both to view our announcements. >> However, the only one I have is a javascript and probably blocked. I've >> tried several, but they are either annoying or in the way. A simple >> message at the top of the page is often missed by the visitor. Any >> suggestions? >> >> >> Shari >> >> > You mean announcments from you as a user of rootsweb and ancestry? > > You are severely limiting yourself and besides which even if people saw your > announcement to let through scripts for your announcments most of them would > not turn scripts on if they usually surf with them off.... > > That sort of sounds a little silly wouldn't you agree? > > Your also limiting anyone disabled or blind that cannot use them... > > Look give your readers a break and just produce a simple text which will > probably get you more readers through search engines as they can't see your > javascript either.... think about having a ezine which you send out to > members that are interested enough to sign up for ... yahoo groups do free > ones and are very easy to use. That way you know your announcements are > going to a targted audience too. > > If i have the wrong end of the stick sorry ... but scripts should only be > used when 100% of your audience can actually use them. That applies 1000% to > navigation if scripts are used for navigation there should always be text > links on a page or they should degrade gracefully. > > ok I shall go back to my corner now.... > > Tina > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > >

Re: new Rootsweb/Ancestry Masthead: I don't know what everyone's problem is. I am webmaster for the Van Zandt County, Texas, Genealogical Society website through Rootsweb. The masthead just appeared at the top and it is so unobstrusive, I had to squint to see it at all! It helps that it has pretty much the same color as my pages! I can live with it. Sibyl

Hi Pat, I've validated both HTML and CSS (and posted the validation images on the home page) - so I will look at Java Script for the solution. Thanks for all your help! Sharon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Asher" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, May 25, 2008 7:12 AM Subject: Re: [ROOTSWEB-HELP] My Page Header gone, replaced with Rootsweb/Ancestry graphic > At 04:24 PM 5/24/2008, you wrote: >>Thanks so very much Pat! That removed the gap between the main page and >>the "masthead" section. I thought that would solve the whole problem, but >>the sub-menus, which are vitally important, will only briefly flash on >>rollover so it is impossible to access them. It's probably something I >>did >>when making changes to the CSS sheet. Anyway, I've added a message >>explaining that I know the site navigation isn't working so people will >>know >>I'm aware of the problem. >>Thanks again, >>Sharon > > Use the validators at http://validator.w3.org to find and clean up > your HTML and CSS coding errors. > > Then look at the JavaScript for your rollovers. > > Pat > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

At 04:24 PM 5/24/2008, you wrote: >Thanks so very much Pat! That removed the gap between the main page and >the "masthead" section. I thought that would solve the whole problem, but >the sub-menus, which are vitally important, will only briefly flash on >rollover so it is impossible to access them. It's probably something I did >when making changes to the CSS sheet. Anyway, I've added a message >explaining that I know the site navigation isn't working so people will know >I'm aware of the problem. >Thanks again, >Sharon Use the validators at http://validator.w3.org to find and clean up your HTML and CSS coding errors. Then look at the JavaScript for your rollovers. Pat

We've received ALL these emails about "HOW TO". In my usually slow way, I did nothing. Just checked the two sites I host, AND the graphic is there, without ANY help from me. How lucky !!! Check out: www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~MoCharit and www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~MoCharit .... -------------- Original message from Pat Asher <[email protected]>: -------------- > At 09:25 PM 5/23/2008, Sharon wrote: > >The Rootsweb banner has appeared somewhere between Wednesday and this > >morning (Friday). The site was fine before that. I've gone into the CSS > >and changed the masthead from absolute to relative positioning but now the > >sub-menu items cannot be accessed and there is a huge gap between the page > >content. See: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyggbs/index.htm > > > >Its been several years since I made the page and I'm having a devil of a > >time figuring out how to solve this. I've tried changing the content of > >the page (from Welcome down to bottom of page) to relative positioning but > >the huge gap remains as well as the lack of access to the sub-menu items. > > In your style sheet, you have > > #pagecell1{ > position:relative; > top: 117px; > > Change that to > > #pagecell1{ > position:relative; > top: 0px; > > or whatever placement value you prefer. > > You also have a second #pagecell1 name which contradicts the first, > #pagecell1{ padding:0px 0px 0px 5px} > > Remove that. > > Use the W3C validators to find and correct other coding errors in > your page and CSS. > http://validator.w3.org/ > http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/ > > Pat > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Thanks so very much Pat! That removed the gap between the main page and the "masthead" section. I thought that would solve the whole problem, but the sub-menus, which are vitally important, will only briefly flash on rollover so it is impossible to access them. It's probably something I did when making changes to the CSS sheet. Anyway, I've added a message explaining that I know the site navigation isn't working so people will know I'm aware of the problem. Thanks again, Sharon ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Asher" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2008 7:49 AM Subject: Re: [ROOTSWEB-HELP] My Page Header gone, replaced with Rootsweb/Ancestry graphic > At 09:25 PM 5/23/2008, Sharon wrote: >>The Rootsweb banner has appeared somewhere between Wednesday and this >>morning (Friday). The site was fine before that. I've gone into the CSS >>and changed the masthead from absolute to relative positioning but now the >>sub-menu items cannot be accessed and there is a huge gap between the page >>content. See: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyggbs/index.htm >> >>Its been several years since I made the page and I'm having a devil of a >>time figuring out how to solve this. I've tried changing the content of >>the page (from Welcome down to bottom of page) to relative positioning but >>the huge gap remains as well as the lack of access to the sub-menu items. > > In your style sheet, you have > > #pagecell1{ > position:relative; > top: 117px; > > Change that to > > #pagecell1{ > position:relative; > top: 0px; > > or whatever placement value you prefer. > > You also have a second #pagecell1 name which contradicts the first, > #pagecell1{ padding:0px 0px 0px 5px} > > Remove that. > > Use the W3C validators to find and correct other coding errors in > your page and CSS. > http://validator.w3.org/ > http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/ > > Pat > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Thanks, Pat. Between you and Linda, I should be able to do this :-) Marilyn ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Asher" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Cc: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2008 5:14 AM Subject: Re: [ROOTSWEB-HELP] the banner_select file - should it be an html? > At 02:34 AM 5/24/2008, marilynandmonty wrote: >>Should this be an html file? > > No. > > It should be a plain text file, and the file name must not include a > file extension. The file name is simply > > banner_select > > If your system will not allow you to save and/or upload a file > without a file extension, you can name it banner_select.txt, then > rename the file on the server. File Manager can be used to rename the > file. > > Pat > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 269.24.1/1464 - Release Date: 5/24/2008 8:56 AM

Hi, Did you already fix it? I see no problem with it... You might put some more space between theirs and yours but looks ok to me.... NeldaRegards: Nelda Percival http://freepages.folklore.rootsweb.com/~bonsteinandgilpin/

At 09:25 PM 5/23/2008, Sharon wrote: >The Rootsweb banner has appeared somewhere between Wednesday and this >morning (Friday). The site was fine before that. I've gone into the CSS >and changed the masthead from absolute to relative positioning but now the >sub-menu items cannot be accessed and there is a huge gap between the page >content. See: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyggbs/index.htm > >Its been several years since I made the page and I'm having a devil of a >time figuring out how to solve this. I've tried changing the content of >the page (from Welcome down to bottom of page) to relative positioning but >the huge gap remains as well as the lack of access to the sub-menu items. In your style sheet, you have #pagecell1{ position:relative; top: 117px; Change that to #pagecell1{ position:relative; top: 0px; or whatever placement value you prefer. You also have a second #pagecell1 name which contradicts the first, #pagecell1{ padding:0px 0px 0px 5px} Remove that. Use the W3C validators to find and correct other coding errors in your page and CSS. http://validator.w3.org/ http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/ Pat

Try uploading an html file into your public folder named banner.html with the word "USGENWEB" without the ", . Lesley L Shockey <[email protected]> wrote: This is the result of changes at rootsweb.ancestry.com that they have been announcing for many months. Many county and state pages moved elsewhere to avoid this problem. You will need to modify your pages to allow for this banner when using rootsweb.ancestry.com. Anderson wrote: > I've just today noticed that the Masthead (page header with our Society's name and a graphic) has been replaced with a Rootsweb/Ancestry header bar. This Rootsweb bar totally replaces my masthead. Can't figure out what has happened! Since no one else has been asking about this, it may be just on my pages???? > The Guyana/British Guiana Genealogy Society is here: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyggbs/index.htm > > This just happened between Wednesday and today ---- has anyone else had this problem? > > Sharon > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message Michael L Tedrow Martin County, Indiana Coordinator  IN GenWeb http://www.rootsweb.com/~inmartin/   Volunteer for Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness http://www.raogk.org

At 02:34 AM 5/24/2008, marilynandmonty wrote: >Should this be an html file? No. It should be a plain text file, and the file name must not include a file extension. The file name is simply banner_select If your system will not allow you to save and/or upload a file without a file extension, you can name it banner_select.txt, then rename the file on the server. File Manager can be used to rename the file. Pat

Pat, Should this be an html file? Thanks, Marilyn ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat Asher" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 1:11 PM Subject: Re: [ROOTSWEB-HELP] Page Header replaced with Rootsweb/Ancestrygraphic > At 03:41 PM 5/23/2008, you wrote: >>I thought we had a choice of banner select to be put in our public html >>that >>would say USGenWeb hosted by Rootsweb. I put the banner in the directory >>so >>why is it not showing up for the masthead? > > You do not upload the "banner" to your site. To get the USGenWeb > masthead on your page instead of the standard one, place a file named > "banner_select" in your > public_html directory. It should contain the text "USGENWEB" (all > caps and without the quotation marks) and nothing else. > > Pat >

cetain sites like genweb and dnkcen were sufficiantly important by RW to be designated as advertising free when they were set up I don't take it too serioualy but some US Genweb folk are angry Hugh W 2008/5/23 Pat Asher <[email protected]>: > At 02:52 PM 5/23/2008, Hugh Watkins wrote: >>becaue it is a breach of the original RW agreements to keep some >>sites advertising free > > I assume you are referring to the agreements prior to the purchase of > RootsWeb by Ancestry, which (by the way) were contingent upon annual > contributions to RootsWeb. > > RootsWeb has not accepted contributions since 2000, and Ancestry has > supported sites without banners for EIGHT years. > What agreement has been breached? > > Pat > > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > -- http://snaps4.blogspot.com/ photographs and walks main blog GENEALOGE http://hughw36.blogspot.com/ MAIN BLOG

there have been warnings about this for months try view source on your own machine and compare with that on RW and of course frames get seriously messed up too hence US geneweb exit becaue it is a breach of the original RW agreements to keep some sites advertising free Hugh W 2008/5/23 Anderson <[email protected]>: > I forgot to mention that my Masthead (title of page) is an Include. This problem just arose within the last 2 days....and can't figure out what happened. There have been no recent changes to the site's header - coding contained in the Include file. The site name and upper menu has disappeared from all pages within the site. It seems as if there is a problem with the include file, however, the code from the Include file is displayed on the online source html - but it isn't being displayed on the site pages. > > Sharon > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > -- http://snaps4.blogspot.com/ photographs and walks main blog GENEALOGE http://hughw36.blogspot.com/ MAIN BLOG